Former soccer captain drafted to MLS team

Paul Marie becomes the eighth player in FIU history to be drafted in the MLS SuperDraft, as he was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes at the 12th overall pick. (Nicholas Poblete/Panther Press)

By Nicholas Poblete/Asst. Sports Director

 

After a painful elimination in the second round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship against Duke University Nov. 19, former FIU men’s soccer team captain Paul Marie was doubtful about his future.

“The future is a bunch of uncertainties, but I gave it my all,” said the captain in Durham, N.C. after the 2-1 loss. “If I’ve been seen, I’ve been seen. If I haven’t been seen, I haven’t. I can not know.”

Marie was invited to the Major League Soccer Adidas Player Combine in Orlando, Florida. The combine, held from Jan 11 to the 17th, allowed Marie to showcase his talents in front of coaches from the MLS.

The former captain is the second Panther invited to the MLS Combine since 2002. Matias Asorey is the only other Panther to have been invited.

Having finished the MLS Combine, Marie was invited to Philadelphia, Penn. to attend the MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

On that January afternoon, all of Marie’s uncertainties would fade away. The San Jose Earthquakes chose Paul Marie as their first round draft pick. Marie was chosen as the 12th overall pick in the SuperDraft.

Hearing his name, Marie walked up to the podium, took the protocol picture with MLS Commissioner Don Garber and gave his first speech as an Earthquakes’ player, with the club scarf around his neck.

Head coach Kevin Nylen believes that Marie possesses a superb knowledge of the game, which allows him to continue his dream of playing at the highest level.

“From my time working with him, Pauly is a really smart soccer player, high-level soccer IQ, he can play a couple of different positions, so he’s versatile in that sense,” the head coach said. “Can play with both feet, can play in tight spaces, has the ability to get at people, so if you look at the game there are places on the field for him, because he’s a really good soccer player, and that’s what was seen by a lot of the MLS guys.”

Earthquakes General Manager Jesse Fioranelli was quoted by FIU Athletics saying that Marie had the clubs’ attention from the beginning of the combine.

“We were looking for a fullback. We see in him an offensive-minded outside back that has technical qualities and the ability to read the game,” said Fioranelli. “We especially liked that he has character and in the interview that we had with him, he convinced us. The entire coaching staff is really excited about having him part of the club.”

Marie became the fourth Panther to be drafted in the first round and the eighth player from FIU chosen in the draft.

From his time at FIU, Marie left behind a group that will root for him as he endures this new challenge.

“Everyone here at FIU, we have a new team we are rooting for, the San Jose Earthquakes,” said Nylen. “because we know what it means to Pauly, and we know his path, and how he’s gone down this road, and we are only here to support him and continue to see him do well.”

The French native led the Panthers to their first-ever undefeated regular season, claiming the Conference USA regular season title for the first time in school history, this past Fall.

Marie ended his senior year with eight goals and six assists, registering 22 points. The only Panther to register more points was forward Santiago Patiño.

Nylen hopes that Marie taught every single one of his players a lesson that the only way to the top is through hard work.

“Everybody talks about being a pro, but talking about something and actually doing it are two different things,” said Nylen. “So hope for every guy in this program that they understand what he did to get to that point, because he didn’t just talk about, he performed every day in training, performed every day on the field and that’s the most important part, consistency.”

Paul Sylvain Marie has begun preseason training with his new team and will aspire to make his MLS debut as the Earthquakes open their season against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, March 3, at home.

Be the first to comment on "Former soccer captain drafted to MLS team"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*